Relationship status on a Facebook page is shown. Legalities governing marriage, common-law marriage, cohabitating and domestic partnerships are complex and vary by state.

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David Mazzetti welcomes your questions and comments. Send them to life@poughkeepsiejournal.com.

Whether you said "I do" at the altar, entered a common-law marriage, are in a domestic partnership or co-habitate with your significant other, the laws about your financial rights and obligations vary by state, and sometimes even by city.